DNA Testing & Pharmacy

DNA paternity testing kits have recently become available for sale over the counter in some pharmacies. Other types of OTC DNA tests could soon follow. With all the controversy and ethical questions that these tests raise, Charlotte Rigby asks: are they a good fit for community pharmacy?

A DNA paternity test checks the identity of a child’s father by examining the genetic markers in samples of DNA (usually taken from cheek swabs) from the child and the alleged biological father. The same technology can be used to verify the biological relationship between a mother and child or between siblings. Laboratory testing can provide results that are more than 99.9 per cent accurate.

International Biosciences offer a wide range of DNA testing services, including paternity, siblingship and other relationship tests as well as DNA tests for immigration purposes, child custody cases and even DNA ancestry research. IBDNA benefit from an award–winning Molecular Biologist as one of their directors allowing them to remain at the forefront of international genetic research.

IBDNA also provide a comprehensive website, www.ibdna.com.my, detailing every aspect of the DNA testing process, showing everything from the differences between home DNA testing and legal DNA tests, to consent issues and understanding the final results report.